Im a doctor this is the No. 1 thing people do wrong when they get sick with a virus like the flu

Don’t sweat the fall stuff — including respiratory viruses.Cases of the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to increase in the autumn and winter as people spend more time indoors.Drier air also helps these viruses survive and spread more easily.Here are the best ways to protect yourself from these viruses — and the No.

1 mistake people make when they fall ill.Respiratory viruses share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell them apart.The common cold is a milder illness that might cause a stuffy nose, a scratchy throat and coughing but usually not a high fever.The other three — COVID, RSV and flu — are often characterized by coughing, fever, sore throat and shortness of breath in serious cases.Wheezing is more common in RSV, the loss of taste or smell is a distinctive sign of COVID and body aches are typically associated with the flu.These three viruses can cause severe illness, hospitalization and even death, particularly among vulnerable people.Diagnostic testing at home or in a doctor’s office is the most reliable way to distinguish between respiratory viruses.One of the top errors is continuing to go to work.We really need to stay home when we’re sick so we don’t spread viruses to others.Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, get sufficient rest and take Tylenol or Advil to manage fever, headaches and muscle aches at home.Aspirin is generally not recommended for children with a viral infection because it could potentially lead to a rare but life-threatening illness.When we’re at home with our loved ones, roommates or family members, we want to avoid ping-pong infections.We should practice social distancing, handwashing with soap and water and mask-wearing since viruses can be spread by respiratory droplets and smaller airborne particles.Respiratory infections usually last just two or three days, and healthy people will recover just fine on their own.Those at high risk for complications, like older adult...